Unlocking Potential: Inspiring Stories Behind ICMS March 2025 Scholarships

The ICMS March 2025 Scholarships Ceremony was more than an event; it was a celebration of resilience, ambition, and potential. It brought together students from all walks of life, each with a unique story of determination and achievement.  

With over 50 recipients awarded scholarships, the night highlighted how access to higher education can transform lives.  

From overcoming adversity to setting inspiring examples for their communities, these students are proof of what can be achieved with the right support and opportunities. 

Ann Whitelock, Chair of ICMS Scholarships, spoke about the importance of these scholarships. 

“These awards celebrate student excellence and provide vital support to help students access higher education and achieve their goals,” she said. 

She also thanked the corporate partners whose contributions make scholarships possible. They include Motti & Smith, GOAL College, ALCEON, Surf Life Saving, Expedia Australia, NOVA Entertainment, and the Waratahs among others. 

Ann also noted the importance of running scholarship programs with fairness and credibility.  

She explained that the ICMS Scholarship Program uses a detailed and standardised process to ensure students are chosen on merit, with applicants meeting specific criteria and undergoing a panel interview. 

Ann highlighted how this approach makes the program truly valuable, especially compared to situations where discounted places are misleadingly called scholarships. 

“Protecting the integrity of the ICMS program is crucial,” she said. 

Ann added that many recipients stand out for their strong academic and extracurricular achievements, business skills, work ethic, community contributions, and resilience in overcoming challenges.  

For many, receiving an ICMS scholarship is what allows them to study and thrive in their chosen fields. 

Opportunities for Everyone

The ICMS Scholarship Program is designed to open doors for students from all walks of life.  

Over 14 years, the program has consistently supported students who face barriers like financial challenges or who come from rural or remote areas. 

One recipient is Elizabeth Muturi, who received the ICMS Postgraduate Innovation Scholarship. 

Elizabeth shared her story about leaving her corporate role in Kenya to study in Sydney, knowing it would mean sacrifices, including time away from her two sons. 

“It hasn’t been easy, but I want to show them that dreams are worth chasing and that growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zones,” she said. 

Elizabeth also spoke about her time at ICMS and how it has motivated her to continue learning. 

“Stay hungry, stay foolish,” she added, borrowing a quote from Steve Jobs, “Keep asking questions, stay curious, be adaptable, and never stop learning.” 

Joshua O’Neill, who received the ICMS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship, also shared what the experience means to him. 

“As a proud Aboriginal man, this scholarship means so much to me, and I can feel how proud my family, especially my parents, are of me,” he said. 

Joshua wants to inspire his younger siblings and other First Nations students by showing them what’s possible. 

“This scholarship will ease the financial pressures I face, allowing me to focus more on my career aspirations. I commit to being a role model for my peers and to promoting this wonderful faculty to the future First Nations students,” he added. 

Highlighting Student Achievements

Scholarships don’t just provide financial relief; they help students take the next steps in their careers. 

Spencer Louis, a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) student, shared his entrepreneurial story. 

“Receiving this scholarship is one of the proudest moments in my life,” Spencer said. 

He spoke about how he and his brother turned a childhood business failure into success, eventually building one of Australia’s leading online Lego stores. 

Jasmyn Nankervis, a Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) student, also talked about starting her academic and professional life at ICMS. 

“I feel honoured to have received the professional scholarship here at ICMS, as it kickstarted my journey to my career,” she said. 

For Jasmyn, the first person in her family to attend college and pursue a bachelor’s degree, the scholarship has been about more than just financial help.  

“Having the opportunity to connect with like-minded students and the people surrounding me, helping me have the confidence to keep going, I know that I have made the right choice by coming here.” 

Support from the Community

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins spoke at the event, highlighting the strong connection between ICMS and the local community. 

“ICMS has been an important part of the Northern Beaches community for almost 30 years,” she said. 

“The range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses gives students so many options to study in this magnificent setting.” 

Mayor Heins also praised the scholarship program for giving students access to life-changing opportunities and encouraged recipients to make the most of their time at ICMS. 

“Scholarships represent the belief that you have the potential to make meaningful impact in society,” she said. 

Making a Difference Together

The success of the ICMS Scholarship Program wouldn’t be possible without its team and corporate partners. 

These scholarships don’t just help students financially. They provide connections with mentors and industry leaders, setting students up for success in their studies and future careers. 

ICMS remains committed to helping students achieve their dreams, and events like this remind everyone why it’s so important to invest in education and opportunity. 

The scholarships awarded are more than just awards; they are the start of something big for these students – a chance to grow, learn, and make an impact.